Design Director, Opinion

The role

A design leadership post in the Opinion design department at The New York Times, reporting to the Creative Director, Opinion. You would set and protect the visual approach across Opinion's output, keeping it distinct from the newsroom, while leading the design team and stepping in as a hands-on visual editor. The role is in the New York office four days a week, with some remote flexibility possible under departmental guidance.

What you'll do

• Shape and protect the visual approach across Sunday Opinion, covers, interactive packages, newsletters, title graphics and promotional art, keeping Opinion visually distinct from the newsroom
• Lead and motivate the design team in developing concepts, and give feedback
• Step in as a hands-on visual editor to set story flow and lead visuals
• Work with editors and the graphics, photo, video, audio and product teams to plan packages and build storytelling across platforms
• Build and manage a diverse, global network of freelance illustrators, photographers and artists, from pitch to final delivery
• Maintain strict standards for typography, layout and graphics
• Set efficient workflows that meet tight deadlines and stay within budget
• Support the company's journalistic independence and its mission

About you

• Ten or more years of print and digital design experience
• Five or more years managing designers or art directors in a media or news setting
• Experience producing several visual concepts and adapting quickly to a fast-moving news cycle
• Expertise in commissioning and art directing creatives around the world across illustration, photography, typography and motion
• Deep knowledge of design fundamentals and tools, including Figma, InDesign and Adobe Creative Suite
• A portfolio showing strong conceptual thinking, typography and complex editorial layouts
• Desirable: strong communication skills, including sketches, wireframes and presentations to cross-functional groups
• Desirable: experience building collaborative teams based on trust, mentoring and growth
• Desirable: working knowledge of UX/UI principles, interactive storytelling and front-end constraints
• Desirable: a well-developed eye for emerging trends in illustration, photography and visual media
• Desirable: experience streamlining design workflows under tight deadlines
• Desirable: flexibility to work nights or weekends when breaking news requires it

What's on offer

• Depending on the role, variable pay such as an annual bonus and restricted stock
• Medical, dental and vision cover
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) with company matching
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Paid holiday, paid sick days and paid parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development programmes

The process

• Apply with a CV and cover letter, confirming that you meet the basic qualifications
• The form asks about work authorisation, visa sponsorship, any non-compete or confidentiality agreements, and whether you live in the New York City or Tri-State area and can commute
• Applicants are asked to submit their own work and not to use generative AI tools to produce substantive content at any point in the application or interviews

The details

• Salary: $160,000 – $180,000, with possible bonus and stock on top
• Location: New York, NY; in the office four days a week
• Level: director (10+ years)

How to apply

Apply through The New York Times careers site. The listing asks applicants not to use generative AI for the substance of their application.